Frequently Asked QuestionsAliso Viejo, CA

HOW DOES OPEN MIND MODALITIES ACCOMMODATE TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN?

We specialize in pediatric care and establish an environment that is calm, relaxing, comfortable and inviting to the child and their family. We create a warm atmosphere from the waiting room to the treatment room. We will make sure to help the child feel safe during treatment and go over all concerns the family or child may have before treatment.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY CHILD’S TREATMENT?

Feel free to call our office or bring up any questions during treatment. We understand that a treatment process can be complex and are here to make sure families understand what is happening, every step of the way. We can answer any questions and address all concerns before, during and after treatment.

DOES CUPPING THERAPY WORK FOR CHILDREN?

Yes. Cupping therapy can treat children struggling with specific ailments. However, it is important to note that not everyone will benefit from the same type of treatment. If cupping therapy is the best treatment for your child, then we will set up a treatment plan. If not, then we will recommend a different treatment approach.

WILL THE TREATMENT ACCOMMODATE MY CHILD’S NEEDS?

Yes. We will take your child’s medical and emotional needs into account before treatment. We understand that some of our treatment methods, especially acupuncture, can seem frightening to patients of all ages. Thus, we will work with the family to help ease the fears of the child and everyone involved. Before we administer a treatment, we will make sure to examine any and all health conditions of the child, making sure that our treatment will be beneficial to the patient.

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE INVOLVE FOR MY CHILD?

The acupuncture treatment procedure for children will involve placing needles the size of “cats’ whiskers” on strategic points of the child’s body. This procedure will help alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body to stimulate sensory receptors that also stimulate nerves and transmit impulses to the brain. These impulses motivate the brain to send serotonin and endorphins, both known as the body’s natural pain-killing hormones, to the necessary areas.

HOW WILL YOU KEEP MY CHILD COMFORTABLE DURING THE ACUPUNCTURE PROCEDURE?

We begin by creating a warm atmosphere that is the least amount of intimidation to the child as possible. From the waiting room to the treatment room, we create a nurturing and comforting environment for the patient and family. We will also work with the family to ease the child into acupuncture treatment. One method involves explaining the process to the child without using negative words such as “pain” or “poke.” We also recommend that parents bring the child’s favorite book, toy or movie on a touch-screen device to help make the child more comfortable during the treatment. We can go over other possible options during the initial consultation.

HOW DOES THIS TREATMENT INTEGRATE INTO MY CHILD’S OVERALL MEDICAL CARE?

CHOC Children’s Clinical Director of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Dr. Ruth McCarty, DACM, L.Ac., uses integrative treatment at Open Mind Modalities. We understand that the child may already be receiving treatment for his or her condition and will work with the patient’s doctors to ensure that our treatment plan does not interfere with the current treatment. Based on the information we receive from the child’s doctors, we will effectively integrate our services into the child’s treatment plan and daily life.

DOES MY INSURANCE COVER THIS TREATMENT?

We are contracted with Blue Shield and Cigna PPO and Monarch HMO. We are out-of-network with all other PPOs. Insurance for acupuncture is usually different for PPOs in general. All insurances must be checked by our office to see if acupuncture is a covered benefit in the patients plan. This means that a person can have Blue Shield PPO but not have acupuncture in their policy but a Blue Cross PPO patient will have coverage for acupuncture. For that reason, we verify all insurance policies for our patients.

HOW LONG WILL A TREATMENT SESSION TAKE?

A typical treatment session can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour or more. The length of each session will depend on the condition we are treating, the condition of the child and the type of treatment. We will plan everything out before we begin and can make changes to the treatment plan as necessary. Regardless of the length, our goal is to create a treatment plan that will keep the child comfortable during and after the appointment.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR MY CHILD’S TREATMENT?

Since each child is unique and the condition they are struggling with can vary in severity, the treatment timeline will be different for each child. If necessary, we can adjust the treatment plan or number of appointments to treat the child’s condition. During the consultation and planning stage, we will estimate the length of each session based on the child’s needs. It is important to note that in some cases, the child may need continuous care and no condition we treat will completely heal overnight.

HOW CAN I HELP MAKE MY CHILD’S VISITS MORE COMFORTABLE?

While we will do everything we can to help the child feel comfortable in the office and during treatment, there are also steps that parents can take at home to help make the child comfortable with the idea of treatment. One idea is to have the child bring a favorite toy, book, game or movie on a touch screen device. We are specialists and have experience with this type of situation. We can also help to explain how this treatment will make the child feel better.

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